impossible update?

XP Pro SP3, plus, plus, etc.

Suddenly I have trouble getting a Windows update.

When I clicked on Start - Microsoft Update, IE gave me an error saying"

To continue, you must first add this website to your trusted sites in
Internet Explorer.

Well, that's a new development.

When I tried to set the entry in trusted sites it failed, saying the HTTP
had to be HTTPS.

When I set the entry in trusted sites to HTTPS it failed because the
updating routine set the IE URL to the unsecured HTTP.

I don't know why this suddenly started fouling up. I've done a zillion
updates before with no issues other than once or twice downloading some new
ActiveX stuff. Perhaps copying the system to a new hard drive has something
to do with it?

Of course, I can change the URL in IE to the secured version, but how do I
get this thing set to go without manual assistance every time?

Suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks

--
JimL